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For Viñales playing as the lone striker is not a problem. In Misano, the Spaniard is at his usual levels, in the mix with the best of Honda and Ducati with his second place time, just 5 thousandths behind Petrucci, his calling card.
“How did it go without Valentino in the garage? Having a teammate is always important, because it is the first point of reference and comparing notes with him you understand if you are really pushing the bike to the limit. Also, you have his data available to see where you can improve. Aside from this, the work method doesn’t change; you are always focused on yourself” he explains.
And the work in the Yamaha garage is booming. Credit also goes to the latest frame upgrade, tested for the first time in the Misano tests and then used at Silverstone.
“The new chassis architecture is better for my riding style - he says - The bike is easier now. It feels better going into corners and it gives me more confidence in the front tyre. I am able to ride in a more relaxed way and to be more consistent.”
You also partially resolved the rear tyre wear problems.
“I had already noticed at Silverstone, where I was able to lap fast even at the end of the race - he recalls - I had the same sensations here. Now I am happy because I have the situation more under control.”
A very useful step forward, because the rivals are nipping at his heels and Maverick’s eyes are on the Hondas.
“Marquez is fast and he did a different job today, focusing on pace - he warns - We are all very close and you can never relax.”
And then there are the Ducatis too…
“They don’t surprise me. By now, they are fast on all the tracks” he says.
Viñales is ready to do battle.
“The mentality needs to be that of someone who wants to win and that is what I want to do. The qualifiers will also be very important in order to succeed: the primary objective is to stay on the front row and the limit is 4th place on the grid.”
